Case study: Barcan and Kirby’s Commercial Services division helps nursery client grow through acquisitions

Our Commercial Services division recently helped a long-standing client in the early years sector with their acquisition of two further nursery settings.

Muddy Nurseries acquired the Little Tots Montessori Nurseries in Reading and Stoney Heath at the end of 2024, doubling the total number of settings under the Muddy Nurseries umbrella to four in the South-East region.

Background: from Muddy Puddles to Muddy Nurseries

In 2021, Natasha Ascott, the founder of a leading children’s outerwear clothing brand, Muddy Puddles, used her background in education and passion for nature to venture into the childcare sector, with a focus on settings where outdoor play and forest schooling were at the forefront.

Georgina Bryant, Head of our Corporate + Commercial team and known for her legal transactions expertise in the nursery sector, was introduced to Natasha in the early stages and helped her navigate the purchase of her first nursery, The Children’s Room Day Nursery in Wendover. This was followed by the acquisition of Sunshine Montessori Nursery in late 2022, cementing a solid working relationship between Muddy Nurseries and our Corporate + Commercial and Commercial Property teams.

There was a pause whilst Muddy Nurseries concentrated on establishing strong operations and integration across the first two settings before the opportunity arose for Natasha to purchase the Little Tots Nurseries in 2024.  Our Corporate + Commercial team was able to facilitate the completion of the purchase transaction before the October 2024 Budget announcement, which was a key concern for both parties with the looming uncertainty of likely tax changes.

Assisting with cross-departmental expertise

Our wide range of commercial services expertise enabled our lawyers to provide a breadth of support across all key areas needed for the purchase of the nurseries. As well as advising on the main corporate transactions in each case (which have involved both share and asset purchases), our Commercial Services Division has provided advice on freehold and leasehold aspects, assisted Muddy Nurseries with their lending processes, provided employment support as needed, and advised on ad hoc commercial issues.

Natasha commented:

“The team at Barcan and Kirby are just great – down to earth, easy to work with, and simply always ‘on-it’. They take the time to explain things but understand the commercial drivers and provide the right information so I can make informed decisions and move quickly when deadlines are looming. I chose George and her team as I was impressed by their expertise, and have grown to really value the partnership I now have with them as they help me grow and cement the reputation of Muddy Nurseries as a childcare provider.”

Further information

If you’re looking to buy or sell a nursery or early years practice, our commercial services solicitors are here to help. We also advise businesses and organisations in a range of sectors, including healthcare, dental and professional services.

For an initial chat with a member of our team, call 0117 325 2929 or fill out our online enquiry form.